1 Who compares with the sage? Who else knows how to explain things? Wisdom lights up the face, enlivening a grim expression.
2 Obey the king's command and, because of the divine promise,
3 be in no hurry to depart from it; do not be obstinate in a bad cause, since the king will do as he likes in any case.
4 Since the word of a king is sovereign, what is the point of saying, 'Why do that?'
5 One who obeys the command will come to no harm; the heart of the sage knows the right moment and verdict,
6 for there is a right moment and verdict for everything; but misfortune lies heavy upon anyone
7 who does not know what the outcome will be, no one is going to say how things will turn out.
8 No one can control the wind and stop it from blowing, no one can control the day of death. From war there is no escape, no more can wickedness save the person who commits it.
9 I have seen all this to be so, having carefully studied everything taking place under the sun, while one person tyrannises over another to the former's detriment.
10 And again, I have observed the wicked carried to their graves, and people leaving the holy place and, once out in the city, forgetting how the wicked used to behave; how futile this is too!
11 Because the sentence on the evil-doer is not carried out on the instant, people's hearts are full of desire to do wrong.
12 The sinner who does wrong a hundred times lives on. But this too I know, that there is good in store for people who fear God, because they fear him,
13 but there is no good in store for the wicked because he does not fear God, and so, like a shadow, he will not prolong his days.
14 Another futile thing that happens on earth: upright people being treated as though they were wicked and wicked people being treated as though they were upright. To me this is one more example of futility.
15 And therefore I praise joy, since human happiness lies only in eating and drinking and in taking pleasure; this comes from what someone achieves during the days of life that God gives under the sun.
16 Having applied myself to acquiring wisdom and to observing the activity taking place in the world -- for day and night our eyes enjoy no rest-
17 I have scrutinised God's whole creation: you cannot get to the bottom of everything taking place under the sun; you may wear yourself out in the search, but you will never find it. Not even a sage can get to the bottom of it, even if he says that he has done so.
Versículos relacionados com Ecclesiastes, 8:
In chapter 8 of Ecclesiastes, the author reflects on justice and human wisdom in the face of the power of the rulers. He points out that justice is not always done immediately, and that often the wicked prosper as the righteous suffer. Moreover, he highlights the importance of obedience to constituted authorities, although he recognizes that this is not always easy. Below are five verses related to these themes:
Proverbs 21:1: "The king's heart is like a riberate controlled by the Lord; he directs him wherever he wants." This verse points to the idea that although human rulers have power, it is God who controls their hearts and directs their ways. This can be comforting for those who feel powerless before the authorities.
Psalm 72:1-2: "O God, grant the King your judgments and your righteousness to the Son of the King. He will rule your people with righteousness and your needy with righteousness." This psalm says a prayer for a righteous ruler who rules wisely and justice. It can be an encouragement for those who want intact and fair leaders.
Romans 13:1-2: "Every person is subject to the superior authorities; for there is no authority that does not come from God; and those who exist were ordained by God. Therefore, who opposes authority resists the ordination of God; those who resist will bring the condemnation upon themselves. " This excerpt from Paul's letter to the Romans highlights the importance of obedience to the constituted authorities, even if they are not perfect. The author of Ecclesiastes also emphasizes this idea.
Isaiah 1:23: "Their leaders are rebellious, companions of thieves; they all love the bribe and run after gifts. They do not defend the orphan's right, and the cause of the widow does not come before them." This verse criticizes the corrupt leaders who do not do justice and worry only about enriching. This criticism is in line with the reflection of the author of Ecclesiastes on injustice and impunity.
Isaiah 40:15: "Behold, nations are like a drop of water that falls from a bucket, and like a grain of powder on the balance; the islands are like thin powder that rises." This verse can be seen as a reminder of human smallness before the power of God. Although the rulers may seem powerful, their importance is minimal in the face of divine greatness.
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